Name: Tintagel Castle
Address: Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE

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Tintagel Castle

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Keeping you safe

What to expect

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Address

Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE

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Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists, and even the brother of a king. Now it's your turn to be inspired.

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Tintagel Castle is a historic site situated on the clifftops of North Cornwall. Due to the rugged coastal landscape, there are steep slopes, sheer drops and uneven surfaces which can present a challenge to visitors.

If possible, we ask our visitors to follow a one-way route around the site which means leaving via 140 steep steps. Please see our access page for detailed information and advice for visitors with limited mobility.

What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

Do we need to Book?

The only way to guarantee entry to Tintagel Castle is to book in advance. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance as we have limited availability and are often fully booked.

Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

Booking FAQs

How are you keeping us safe?

Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

General Safety Information

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same.

Where do I need to be and when?

Your ticket states the time when you can enter the castle and cross the bridge. We recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to walk from the village car parks to the footbridge entrance. Once on the island, you can explore at your leisure.

Plan your Visit

I still have questions.

The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

Read our FAQs

Things to See and Do

Tintagel Castle Timeline

3rd-4th Centuries ADRoman Activity

Finds of pottery, early coins and two Roman inscribed pillars suggest activity on the headland.

450-650Trading Centre

Tintagel is a rich and important site, trading with the Mediterranean world. The headland is covered with many small rectangular buildings.

Find out more about the history of Tintagel

7th CenturyThe Island Abandoned

The site seems to have been abandoned for over 500 years.

1138Legend of King Arthur

Geoffrey of Monmouth writes his History of the Kings of Britain. His legendary King Arthur is conceived at Tintagel by Uther Pendragon and Igerna, wife of Duke Gorlois of Cornwall.

Learn more about Tintagel in history and legend

Henry III's brother Richard, Earl of Cornwall, begins building himself a castle. He buys the land once the castle is finished.

Read a description of Tintagel Castle

1337The Black Prince

The castle's great hall is subject to constant erosion, possibly causing a partial collapse. Edward the Black Prince, 1st Duke of Cornwall, reworks the hall into smaller buildings.

1480Stuff of Legends

Although the castle is little used, legends continue to flourish. Antiquary William Worcestre names Tintagel as the place of Arthur's birth, as well as his conception.

1600Desertion

The site is largely deserted, despite a survey recommending that the headland be strengthened against possible foreign landings.

1650King Arthur's Castle

References to King Arthur's Castle become a tangled mixture of local folklore and literary legends.

1930sExcavations

Archaeologist Ralegh Radford proves through his discovery of pottery fragments that Tintagel was once part of an early medieval trading network that reached across the Mediterranean world.

1983Island Fire

A major fire destroys the turf over a wide area.

1990sModern Research

Excavations on the island's eastern side confirm that the rectangular huts, great ditch and imported pottery date from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Learn more about Tintagel Castle

August 2019Tintagel Castle reunited

For the first time in over 500 years, the two halves of Tintagel Castle are reunited via a daring new footbridge. Spanning a 190-foot gorge, the bridge follows the line of the original route, long lost to erosion, between the 13th-century gatehouse on the mainland and the courtyard on the island.

More about the bridge

Nearby Places
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Penhallam Manor
11.76 miles from Tintagel Castle
St Breock Downs Monolith
13.85 miles from Tintagel Castle
Hurlers Stone Circles
16.83 miles from Tintagel Castle

Launceston Castle
17.45 miles from Tintagel Castle
Restormel Castle
17.46 miles from Tintagel Castle
St Catherine's Castle
23.98 miles from Tintagel Castle

Nearby Places
- Penhallam Manor
  11.76 miles from Tintagel Castle
- St Breock Downs Monolith
  13.85 miles from Tintagel Castle
- Hurlers Stone Circles
  16.83 miles from Tintagel Castle
Similar Places
- Launceston Castle
  17.45 miles from Tintagel Castle
- Restormel Castle
  17.46 miles from Tintagel Castle
- St Catherine's Castle
  23.98 miles from Tintagel Castle